Watching an ice hockey game live is an exhilarating experience for any sports fan. The fast-paced action, hard hits, and exciting goals make for an unforgettable event. However, ice hockey tickets, especially to see popular NHL teams like the New York Rangers, can be quite expensive. The good news is there are ways to get cheap ice hockey tickets in New York if you know where to look and are willing to be a bit flexible.
Look for ticket discounts and promotions
The first thing to do is research any ticket discounts or promotions available. The New York Rangers offer special ticket packs and flex plans that can lower the per-game cost. There are often special offers for students, military members, seniors, and groups as well. Sign up for email alerts from the Rangers ticket office to stay on top of discount announcements.
Check out sites like Goldstar and Groupon that often offer discounted NHL tickets in New York and other cities. You can save 25-75% on seats through these daily deal sites. StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek are other secondary marketplaces that can have cheap NHL tickets as the game gets closer or the team is struggling.
Buy upper level or obstructed view seats
The closest, lowest rows at center ice will always command the highest prices from box offices and resellers. But if you are willing to sit in the upper levels or at the ends where the view is not as ideal, huge savings can be found. The 200 and 400 levels at Madison Square Garden still provide decent views and can cost 50% less than lower bowl seats.
Obstructed view seats where pillars or overhangs block part of the rink can go for extremely cheap. You miss some of the action but still get to experience the electric atmosphere. Obstructed seats in the lower level often cost about the same as regular seats in the upper sections.
Attend preseason games
Another way to pay far less for NHL hockey tickets in New York is attending preseason games. The Rangers play several home exhibition games in September before the regular season starts in October. Preseason tickets typically cost 25-50% of what regular season games go for.
While the roster may feature more prospects and fringe players trying to make the team, preseason hockey has plenty of intensity as players compete for jobs. The overall experience and atmosphere are very similar to the regular season just at a much lower price.
Go on a weeknight
The most expensive and in-demand games are Friday and Saturday nights against division rivals and top contenders. You will pay a premium to see the Rangers battle the Islanders, Penguins, Capitals, etc. on weekends.
Look for cheaper games on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, especially against weaker teams. Weeknight games draw smaller crowds and have lower ticket prices in general. Competing against TV on a school/work night also drops demand.
Buy at the last minute
Procrastination pays off when it comes to buying cheap NHL tickets. Prices typically drop in the last few hours leading up to the game as sellers scramble to unload extra inventory. Unsold seats that would go empty are offered for huge discounts.
Use Gametime and TickPick, app-based services that specialize in last-minute tickets. Be ready to purchase at the last second and get your tickets on your phone. This high-risk, high-reward tactic works best for solo buyers or pairs. Last-minute deals for large groups are harder to find.
Join fan ticket exchanges
Connect with other Rangers fans by joining fan ticket exchanges like Rangers Ticket Exchange on Facebook. Fans post extra tickets they are unable to use and sell them to other fans at or below face value. You can land some amazing deals directly from other New York hockey fanatics.
These fan exchanges are safe, reliable ways to buy tickets. Payments are handled through PayPal. Only join exchanges specifically dedicated to Rangers fans for maximum trust and transparency between members.
Consider visiting team fan sections
Madison Square Garden has designated visiting team fan sections for most games. Fans of the opposing team tend to congregate in these areas.
Visiting fan tickets are much cheaper than Rangers fan seats in the same section. You may have to cheer for the Penguins or Flyers for a night, but the savings could make it worth it.
Go to pregame warmups
If you just want to experience being at Madison Square Garden without buying a ticket, attend pregame warmups. Fans can watch from the lower seating bowl as the teams skate and practice an hour before faceoff.
Come already wearing Rangers gear to fully participate. See your favorite players up close and soak in the atmosphere. When warmups end, head to one of the many bars outside MSG to keep celebrating.
Enter ticket contests and giveaways
Sports radio stations, blogs, and team sponsors will often run ticket giveaways and contests, especially on weeknights. Follow your favorite New York hockey writers and radio personalities on social media for announcements.
Contests usually involve calling in to answer trivia questions or be a designated caller. It takes persistence to win but the payoff of free tickets is worth it. Sign up for Rangers email newsletters as well for ticket contests and giveaways just for fans.
Buy parking passes in advance
Parking costs at MSG lots and garages close to the arena can be almost as expensive as game tickets. Save money by purchasing parking passes in advance instead of paying at entry. Sites like ParkWhiz offer discounted rates at various lots when you book ahead of time.
Also look into taking public transportation. The train and bus will be far cheaper than parking and drops off right at MSG’s doorstep.
Shop for team gear discounts
Part of the fun of attending a live hockey game is dressing up in your Rangers blue, white and red. Shop for discounted Rangers gear before the game so you don’t pay premium stadium prices. Retailers like Fanatics, Lids, and FansEdge routinely run sales and promos for NHL apparel.
Check clearance sections both online and in stores after each season for major markdowns on Rangers jerseys, hats, shirts and more. A little outdated gear never hurt any fan trying to save money and represent their squad.
Eat before or after the game
Madison Square Garden, like all sports venues, charges a premium on food and drinks. Save money by eating at one of the many penn station bars and restaurants nearby either before or after the game. You can still enjoy a beer and burger experience without stadium pricing.
If you must eat at MSG, grab a quick bite from adiscount concession stand like Chicken & Rice or Stout. Avoid higher-end sit-down restaurants like Chase Bridges and Signature Suites unless money is no object.
Bring your own snacks and drinks
To save even more on concessions, bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Factory-sealed bottles of water and soft drinks are permitted. Avoid outside booze which will be confiscated. Sneak in cheap ballpark food like peanuts, crackers, and candy bars.
Eat an early dinner so you don’t have to splurge on a full arena meal. Time it so you can grab a quick dog or nachos right before warmups satisfy any immediate hunger.
Shop for team merchandise online
Attending a hockey game isn’t complete without some new Rangers swag. Instead of paying jacked-up prices inside MSG, shop for hats, shirts, pucks, and more at the online NHL Shop. Take advantage of frequent sales, and cheap shipping rates.
Check out Chinese wholesalers like DHgate and AliExpress for super cheap Rangers knockoffs. Quality won’t be authentic but prices can be under $10-15 for jerseys. Rep your team on a budget even if it involves some bootleg gear.
Buy souvenirs outside the arena
Vendors set up on the streets around MSG hawk Rangers merchandise at discounted prices compared to arena shops. Look for them on 7th Ave. and 33rd St. selling t-shirts, pucks, caps and other memorabilia.
Prices still won’t be dirt cheap but likely cheaper than getting souvenirs inside. Support these street entrepreneurs and save a few dollars over official stadium gear.
Resell unused tickets
If your plans change and you can’t use tickets, resell them through trusted sites like StubHub and TickPick. NHL tickets maintain decent demand in the resale market. Recover some of your costs by passing any unused tickets to other New York hockey fans.
Season ticket holders often sell seats to lesser marquee games to help subsidize their overall package. Take advantage of their willingness to practically give away tickets they were stuck buying in bulk.
Method | How it Works | Risks/Downsides |
---|---|---|
Buy discounted ticket packs | Rangers offer multi-game coupon books and flex plans that lower average ticket costs | Must commit to buying 2+ games upfront |
Check daily deal sites | Goldstar, Groupon have discounted last-minute deals on tickets | Inventory not always available, prices fluctuate |
Buy upper level/obstructed seats | Sit higher up or behind pillars/overhangs for 50%+ discounts | View of ice not as good |
Attend preseason games | Exhibition games in September cost much less than regular season | Lesser known players on roster |
Go on slower weeknights | Midweek games against weaker opponents have lower demand | Less desirable matchups |
Buy last minute | Prices drop dramatically in final hours as sellers unload inventory | High risk tickets will sell out before you buy |
Join fan ticket exchanges | Buy directly from other Rangers fans unable to use seats | Limited inventory, sales not guaranteed |
Sit in visiting team sections | Visiting fan seats are discounted relative to home fan sections | Forced to cheer against Rangers |
Go to pregame warmups | Watch warmups for free from MSG seating bowl | Must leave when warmups end |
Enter radio contests | Call into radio shows and win free ticket giveaways | Low probability of winning |
Buy parking passes in advance | Book discounted parking online ahead of time | Must park in set location |
BYO food/drinks | Bring own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks instead of buying at arena | Limited options, no alcohol allowed |
Shop online for team apparel | Buy discounted Rangers gear online before attending game | Less instant gratification than buying at arena |
Buy outside arena from vendors | Street sellers offer memorabilia at lower prices than MSG shops | Questionable authenticity, can’t try on |
Resell unused tickets | Recover some costs by reselling tickets you can’t use | Unlikely to recover full value, fees involved |
Don’t underestimate cheap seats
Some of the best cheap ticket opportunities involve sitting in the upper levels and end zones. Fans may turn their nose up at these seats but they offer a full, immersive NHL experience if you keep an open mind. Players appear small but the speed of the game is still impressive from up high.
Obstructed seats likewise still provide great atmosphere and excitement. Missing a few plays here and there is a reasonable trade-off to see the Rangers on a tight budget.
Join a fan club or season ticket waitlist
Another pro tip is signing up for the Rangers fan club and season ticket waitlist through their website. Fan club members get access to special ticket presales and discounts. Putting your name on the season ticket waitlist also gives you a jump on purchasing ticket packs.
There is no guarantee these options will deliver cheap NHL tickets. But they provide access to deals unavailable to the general public. Membership costs are typically minimal so it’s worth joining for potential savings.
Conclusion
Rangers tickets at Madison Square Garden are expensive, especially for must-see rivalry games and weekends. But cheap New York hockey tickets can be had with some planning, flexibility, and creativity. Focus on lesser weeknight games. Sit in the upper levels or obstructed seats. Keep tabs on daily deal sites and fan exchanges for last-minute steals.
Watching live NHL action in one of hockey’s most iconic arenas does not have to break the bank. Use these tips to enjoy Rangers hockey on a budget. Consistently look for the best ticket values and deals. With persistence, you can find affordable prices to see your favorite players hit the ice at MSG.